Fort Worth, Texas Injury to a Child Defense Lawyer

Trusted Defense Attorney for Charges of Injury to a Child or Elderly Person in Fort Worth

Texas law has provisions to look out for the most vulnerable people in our society, including children, the elderly, and the disabled. If you are accused of causing injury to anyone in these protected categories, you could face criminal penalties. A Fort Worth, TX injury to a child defense attorney can help you fight these charges, re-examining the narrative and looking for weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we know how to contest violent crime charges in court. Attorney Edwardo Meza has built up a reputation for his aggressive defense strategies, having secured over 400 5-star reviews with many clients praising his diligent, careful approach.

What Texas Law Says About Causing Injury to a Child, Elderly Person, or Disabled Individual

Texas treats allegations of injury to a child, elderly person, or disabled individual as serious offenses, and prosecutors often pursue them aggressively. The protected categories are defined by age and condition. A "child" is generally 14 or younger, and an "elderly" person is typically 65 or older. A "disabled" individual is someone with an intellectual disability, a developmental disability, or another condition that leaves them unable to protect themselves from harm.

This offense prohibits conduct that causes bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or mental impairment. It can also include allegations of omissions, meaning someone is accused of failing to act when they had a legal duty to provide care or protect the person.

Since the statute covers a wide range of conduct and circumstances, two cases with the same charge can look completely different in facts, defenses, and potential consequences. Intentionally causing severe injury to a child, for example, is prosecuted as a first-degree felony with the possibility of a life sentence in prison.

Why Intent Matters in Violent Crime Cases

In Texas, the mental state the prosecution must prove can make or break the case. Prosecutors may allege that a person acted intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence. Those terms sound similar in everyday conversation, but legally they point to very different levels of blame.

The same injury can be charged in dramatically different ways depending on what the state claims you meant, knew, or ignored. A defense strategy often begins by attacking that mental state allegation, showing that the event was accidental, that the client's actions were reasonable under the circumstances, or that the state cannot prove the required level of intent beyond a reasonable doubt.

Other Defenses Against Injury to a Child, Elderly Individual, or Disabled Person

Other common defense strategies include challenging whether the accused caused the injury at all, disputing the timeline, or exposing gaps in the investigation. Medical records can serve as vital evidence, especially when injuries may have alternative explanations, prior causes, or are inconsistent with the accusation. In some situations, the evidence shows the injury occurred in another location, in another caregiver's care, or earlier than the reporting suggests.

Another defense is highlighting inconsistent statements. Accusations in family cases can be shaped by conflict, custody disputes, pressure from relatives, or fear of authorities. If the allegation involves an omission, the defense may focus on duty and ability. The state typically has to show the accused had a legal duty to act and had the ability to do so. A person cannot be guilty of "failing" to do something that was not realistically possible, or when the legal duty did not apply.

Contact a Fort Worth, TX Injury to a Child Defense Attorney

If you have been accused of causing injury to a protected person, your freedom is at risk. Call 817-732-6392 or contact our Fort Worth, TX injury to a child defense lawyer to schedule a free consultation.